The City of Bismarck's Community Development Department has planning, zoning and building inspection authority within the City of Bismarck and its extra-territorial area (ETA).

On January 1, 2014, a revised extra-territorial area (ETA) boundary for the City of Bismarck went into effect (map). This new ETA boundary was negotiated between the City and Burleigh County. The City also has a negotiated ETA boundary with Apple Creek Township and Naughton Township and is in the process of negotiating an ETA boundary with Missouri Township. The City of Bismarck continues to have planning and zoning authority within the ETA boundary.